SOLAR ARRAY APPLICATIONS/HOW TO USE
CAUTION: Ensure that you completely understand this instruc-
tion manual before using your Solaris™ Folding Solar
Array.
1. Consumer Electronics Handheld Devices & Rechargeable
Batteries Application: Charges/runs most handheld electron-
ic devices such as MP3 players, cellphones, digital cameras,
Personal Digital Assistants; and is also compatible for run-
ning most AA/AAA Ni-Cd and Ni-M-H battery chargers.
How to use: Connect the 12 V vehicle power outlet receptacle
to the Folding Solar Panel. Insert the adaptor (male) included
with the handheld electronic device or battery charger into the
12 V vehicle power outlet. Place the panel in direct sunlight.
Consult appropriate “Product Application Chart” for charging
times.
12 V Accessories
Application: Charges/runs most 12 V accessories.
How to use: Connect the 12 V vehicle power plug to the Fold-
ing Solar Panel. Insert the 12 V vehicle power plug directly
into the socket of the 12 V accessory. Consult appropriate
“Product Application Chart” for charging times.
2. Vehicle Batteries
Application: Trickle charges and maintains car/RV/marine
batteries.
How to use: Connect the 18” battery clamps to the Folding So-
lar Panel. Directly connect the 18” battery clamps (included
with the Folding Solar Power Panel) to the vehicle battery.
Or Connect the 12 V vehicle power plug to the Folding Solar
Panel. Insert the 12 V vehicle power plug directly into your
car’s cigarette lighter outlet. Place the solar charger on the
car’s dashboard so that it receives direct sunlight.
NOTE: The Folding Solar Panel is not designed for continuous
outdoor use. Disconnect and store the solar charger in a cool,
dry place when not in use.
TROUBLESHOOTING
• Inspect the connections between Solaris™ Folding Solar
Panel and the device you are attempting to charge.
• Inspect all plugs, outlets, clamps, connectors and cables to
ensure they are not damaged or cut.
• If the connections are all secure, use a volt meter or 12 V
test light to check voltage between the positive and
negative electrodes. This check should be done using the
12 V vehicle power plug.
• For vehicle and AA/AAA battery charging, check to make
sure that the battery is in good condition. Over time battery
performance decreases. If the battery performance is
weakened, the battery may need to be replaced.
• Note: Some portable electronics such as computers require
more power (current) than the solar panel creates.
If problems persist you may require a larger solar panel.
FAQs
How do I know that my Solaris Folding Solar Array is working?
Check the charge indicator light or bar on the handheld elec-
tronics or accessory. For battery charging, the product can be
tested with a volt meter.
How do I know what size to use?
Consult the Product Application chart above.
Will this product drain my battery at night?
No. The Solaris Folding Solar Array has a built-in reversing di-
ode and charge regulator that prevents the solar array from
discharging your battery at night.
What happens if the solar power panel gets wet?
The Solaris Folding Solar Panel is made from water-resistant
Solaris™ solar panels convert sunlight directly into 12 V elec-
tricity—ideal for recharging consumer electronics and main-
taining vehicle batteries.
The overall performance of the Solaris Panel is dependent on a
variety of conditions including season, orientation with direct
sunlight, cloudy conditions, temperature, and shadowing. As
a result, providing ‘typical’ performance parameters is depen-
dent of the placement of the Solaris.
NOTE: When in use, the Solaris will adjust its voltage and
charge the electronic device at its intended rate. Measuring
current and voltage while charging may not give an accurate
reading of the solar panel’s performance. This solar panel will
not work well with indoor lighting.
CAUTION: When recharging, some consumer products may
not be allowed to be in direct sunlight. Consult the instruction
manual of your product for further details.
PART LIST (see Fig. 1):
• Solaris ™ Folding Solar Array (not shown)
• Storage sack
• 12 V vehicle power outlet
• Battery clamps
IMPORTANT SYSTEM CARE INSTRUCTIONS:
• Although the Folding Solar Panel
is flexible, ONLY FOLD the natural
creases in the all-cloth portions of
the panel.
• DO NOT FOLD with the solar cells
facing outward.
• DO NOT FOLD or crease the solar
charger on sharp edges or objects.
• DO NOT CRUMPLE OR IMPROPERLY BEND PANELS.
• DO NOT excessively ex or bend the panel as this
could cause the plastic layers to crease or bubble.
• DO NOT machine wash, machine dry, or dry clean
the panel.
• ALWAYS charge vehicle lead-acid batteries in a well-
ventilated area.
• DO NOT attempt to charge non-rechargeable batteries.
• DO NOT reverse the polarity of the connections.
• Contact battery manufacturer for questions on the
battery specifications.
• The Folding Solar Panel is not designed for continuous
outdoor use.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Item: solaris6 solaris12
Wattage: 6.5 W 12 W
Output: 12 V 12 V
Power: 433 mA MAX. 800 mA MAX.
Weight: 7 oz (0.20 kg) 13 oz (0.36 kg)
Open Size: 29 1/2 x 9 x
1/32 in (75 x 23
x 0.08 cm)
29 ¼ x 16 x
1/32 in (75 x
40.6 x 0.08 cm)
Closed size: 5 x 9 x ½ in(13 x
23 x 1.3 cm)
5 x 9 x ¾ in (13
x 23 x 1.9 cm)
material. Wipe the product with a clean, dry cloth and allow
the product to dry before folding for storage. DO NOT keep the
product in or underwater.
Can I leave the solar power panel outside for continual use?
Solaris™ Folding Solar Panels were not designed for continu-
ous outdoor usage. Once your application is finished charging
(see charge times from chart), wipe the product with a clean,
dry cloth and allow the product to dry before folding for stor-
age.
Should the solar panel be disconnected from the car battery
when starting the engine?
No, the solar power panel can remain connected and will not
effect operation of the vehicle or any of the vehicle’s electronic
components
WARRANTY
Brunton warrants this product to be free of defects in materials
and workmanship for life. This warranty extends to the original
purchaser from the date of purchase. This warranty is void and
a charge for repair will be made if the product has been dam-
aged by negligence, accident or mishandling, or has not been
operated in accordance with standard operating procedures,
or if the product was altered or repaired by anyone other than
a Brunton repair facility. This warranty gives you specic le-
gal rights, and you also have rights, which vary from state to
state. No other warranty, expressed or implied, applies to the
Brunton product, nor is any person or company authorized
to assume any other warranty for Brunton. Brunton does not
assume any responsibility for any consequential damages oc-
casioned by this product. Should the product prove defective,
contact Brunton, and you will be provided with a Return Autho-
rization Number (RA#). Send a copy of your proof of purchase,
the RA#, a short description of the problem and the product to
Brunton at the following address. Brunton suggests insuring
the product in case of damage or loss in shipment.
Brunton
ATTN: Warranty Repair (307) 857-4700
Riverton, WY 82501 www.brunton.com
LIMITS OF LIABILITY:
Brunton assumes no responsibility for any inconvenience,
loss, or injury, direct or consequential damage arising from
possession or use of the goods. This warranty gives you spe-
cific legal rights which may vary from state to state. Check with
your local state about your rights.
SOLARIS
Foldable Solar Array
™
Detach and return to Brunton within 30 days of purchase.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: _____________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________
City: ______________ State: ___________ Zip: ___________
Phone: ___________________________Email_____________
Date Purchased: ______________________
Amount Paid: _________________________
Which Solaris™ did you purchase? ( )6W ( )12W
Would you like to receive a Brunton Catalog? ( )Yes ( )No
Please let us know where you purchased your Solaris.
Store Name: ________________________________________
City: ______________ State: __________ Zip: ____________
( ) Online site _________________ ( ) Catalog ___________
( ) Gift ( ) Brunton ( ) Other _________________________
Do you own another Brunton Product?
( ) Yes. Product: ____________________________________
Warranty Registration
NOTE: Charge times are estimates only, and depend on
several factors including device, weather and season.
CAUTION: Please read the following instructions before operating your Solaris™ Folding Solar Array
Solaris6 Solaris12
Application Run/Charge Time Run/Charge Time
4 “AA”
batteries
C: 2-4 hrs. C: 2-3 hrs.
Digital camera C: 2-3 hrs. C: 1-3 hrs.
PDA C: 2-3 hrs. C: 1-3 hrs.
MP3 player C: 2-4 hrs. C: 1-3 hrs.
Portable games C/R: 2-3 hrs. C/R: 1-3 hrs.
Digital
camcorder
C: 2-4 hrs. C: 1-3 hrs.
RV/car/marine
battery
Trickle charge/
maintain
Trickle charge/
maintain
